Swiss Re underwriting chief to step down

by Louie Bacani

Swiss Re group chief underwriting officer Matthias Weber will step down from his role after serving the company for 25 years, the reinsurance giant has announced.

 

Weber will leave the post on June 30 “to begin a new chapter in his life,” Swiss Re said. He will be replaced by Edouard Schmid, currently head of property and specialty reinsurance.

 

“We very much regret Matthias Weber’s decision but we respect his desire to focus on his family after such a successful career,” said Swiss Re chairman Walter Kielholz.

Want the latest insurance industry news first? Sign up for our completely free newsletter service now.

 

Kielholz called Weber a “champion of Swiss Re strengths” with his “disciplined underwriting and a focus on the long term.”

 

“We will miss his experience and guidance as a member of the group executive committee, but look forward to continuing our relationship in whatever form suits him,” Kielholz said.

 

Weber has been with Swiss Re since 1992, working across a diverse number of roles and markets. He accepted his current role in April 2012.

 

His successor, Schmid, has been with Swiss Re since 1991. The incoming chief underwriting officer “has shown equal skill and dedication” to the company, according to Kielholz.

 

“He has broad underwriting experience across various lines of business, in varied markets and in both reinsurance and corporate solutions,” the Swiss Re chairman said, “This exceptional track record makes him the ideal candidate to step into Matthias Weber’s shoes.”